The Nigerian Ports Authority has announced that the Rivers port is set to receive its first Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessel.
Ro-Ro vessels are designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars.
In a statement, Jatto Adams, general manager, corporate and strategic communications of NPA, said the first Roro vessel is scheduled to depart the US in the middle of March and arrive at Port Harcourt in April.
The NPA said the introduction of RoRo operations will in no small measure increase the revenue base of Rivers port in particular and the ports authority as a whole.
“Efforts by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority to improve vessel traffic to the Eastern Ports has continued to yield returns as the Rivers Port, Port Harcourt is expecting its first Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) operations in the next couple of weeks,” the statement said.
“Roro vessels are usually loaded with automobiles. This is a milestone in the history of Rivers port and the whole of the Eastern Ports. The introduction of RORO operations will in no small measure increase the revenue base of Rivers Port in particular and NPA as a whole.
“The achievement is traceable to intentional commitment and landmark reforms that the current management of the NPA has instituted towards ensuring that all ports in Nigeria become optimally functional.
“Steps taken by the Authority include: the introduction of ten Percent (10%) discount on harbour dues on some categories of cargoes berthing at the eastern ports, the dredging of Escravos Channel in Warri, the deployment of equipment and machinery to improve operational efficiency, constant engagement with stakeholders towards achieving industrial harmony and peaceful co-existence, conversations with shipping companies, which saw the deployment of flat bottom vessels to Calabar, working with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the Port Police Command to combat crimes on the nation’s waterways as well as engaging with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the rehabilitation of roads access to and from ports in the region.”
The management said it is committed to ensuring that all ports in Nigeria operate at maximum capacity to the advantage of all Nigerians.
— The Cable